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COMPLETE MERGER: From Polytron Corporation (but not Polytron—a different organization)
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{{Merge from |Polytron Corporation |date=August 2013}}
{{Merge from |Phil Fish (video game developer) |date=August 2013}}
{{Merge from |Phil Fish (video game developer) |date=August 2013}}
{{inadequate lead|date=December 2013}}
{{Infobox VG
{{Infobox VG
| title = Fez
| title = Fez
| image = [[File:Fez cover.png|250px]]
| image = [[File:Fez cover.png|250px]]
| caption = ''Fez'' cover art by [[Bryan Lee O'Malley]].
| caption = ''Fez'' cover art by [[Bryan Lee O'Malley]].
| developer = [[Polytron Corporation]]<br />[[Blitworks]] (PS3, PS4, PS Vita)
| developer = Polytron<br />[[Blitworks]] (PS3, PS4, PS Vita)
| publisher = {{Plain list |
| publisher = {{Plain list |
* Polytron
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* [[Trapdoor (company)|Trapdoor Inc]]
* [[Microsoft Studios (game studio)|Microsoft Studios]]
* [[Microsoft Studios (game studio)|Microsoft Studios]]
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* [[Trapdoor (company)|Trapdoor]]
* [[Polytron Corporation|Polytron]]
}}
}}
| designer = [[Phil Fish (video game developer)|Phil Fish]]
| designer = [[Phil Fish (video game developer)|Phil Fish]]
| programmer = [[Renaud Bédard]]
| programmer = [[Renaud Bédard]]
| composer = [[Rich Vreeland]] ([[Disasterpeace]])
| composer = [[Rich Vreeland]] ([[Disasterpeace]])
| genre = [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]]/[[Platform game|Platformer]]
| genre = [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]]/[[Platform game|Platformer]]
| engine = [[Trixel]]
| engine = [[Trixel]]
| release = '''Xbox 360'''{{video game release|WW=April 13, 2012<ref name="releasedate">{{cite web|url=http://polytroncorporation.com/fez-friday-the-13th|title=FEZ FRIDAY THE 13TH|accessdate= 28 March 2012|publisher=Polytron Corporation}}</ref>}}'''Microsoft Windows'''{{video game release|WW=May 1, 2013}}'''Linux'''{{video game release|WW=September 11, 2013}}'''OS X'''{{video game release|WW=September 11, 2013}}'''PlayStation Network''' {{video game release|WW=TBD<ref>{{cite web|url=http://polytroncorporation.com/fez-coming-to-ps-everything|title=FEZ COMING TO PS EVERYTHING|publisher=Polytron Corporation|date=August 20, 2013|accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref>}}
| release = '''Xbox 360'''{{video game release| WW=April 13, 2012<ref name="releasedate">{{cite web | url=http://polytroncorporation.com/fez-friday-the-13th| title=Fez Friday the 13th| accessdate= 28 March 2012| publisher=Polytron Corporation}}</ref>}}'''Microsoft Windows'''{{video game release| WW=May 1, 2013}}'''Linux'''{{video game release| WW=September 11, 2013}}'''OS X'''{{video game release| WW=September 11, 2013}}'''PlayStation Network''' {{video game release| WW=TBD<ref>{{cite web | url=http://polytroncorporation.com/fez-coming-to-ps-everything|title=Fez Coming to PS Everything| publisher=Polytron Corporation| date=August 20, 2013| accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref>}}
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| ratings= {{vgratings|ESRB=E|PEGI=3}}
| ratings= {{vgratings|ESRB=E|PEGI=3}}
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| media = [[Online distribution]]
| media = [[Online distribution]]
}}
}}
'''''Fez''''' is an award winning [[Puzzle video game|puzzle]]/[[platform game]] developed by independent software developer, Polytron Corporation (founded in 2008 by developer, [[Phil Fish (video game developer)|Phil Fish]]). The plot of the game involves guiding the game's protagonist, Gomez, in finding 2D solutions in a 3D space.
'''''Fez''''' is a [[Puzzle video game|puzzle]]/[[platform game]] developed by independent software developers [[Polytron Corporation]]. The game was initially announced by its creator, [[Phil Fish (video game developer)|Phil Fish]], on TIGSource.com on July 17, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=354.0|title=FEZ IS COMING TO XBOX LIVE ARCADE EARLY 2010|date=2 July 2009|accessdate=7 August 2011|publisher=Polytron Corporation|last=fish|first=Phil}}</ref> It was later announced that the game would come to the [[Xbox Live Arcade]] in early 2010, but it was pushed back.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://polytroncorporation.com/fez-is-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-early-2010|title=FEZ|date=2 July 2009|accessdate=27 February 2012|publisher=Polytron Corporation|last=fish|first=Phil}}</ref> The game was released on April 13, 2012, for [[Xbox Live Arcade]].<ref name="releasedate" /> A [[Microsoft Windows]] version became available on [[Steam (software)|Steam]] and [[GOG.com]] on May 1, 2013,<ref name="steam">{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/fez-coming-to-steam-may-1/ | title = Fez coming to Steam May 1 | first = JC | last = Fletcher | date = 2013-03-18 | accessdate= 2013-03-18 | publisher= Joystiq }}</ref> [[OS X]] and [[Linux]] versions were developed by Ethan Lee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1aj74m/i_am_phil_fish_cocreator_of_fez_ask_me_anything/ |title=I Am Phil Fish, Co-Creator Of Fez, Ask Me Anything: Iama |publisher=En.reddit.com |date=2013-03-18 |accessdate=2013-04-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/flibitijibibo/status/354008490760605696 |title=Twitter / flibitijibibo: @faemir I am now working on FEZ for Linux. |publisher=Twitter |date=2013-07-07 |accessdate=2013-07-08}}</ref> Phil Fish and the later stages of development of Fez were featured in ''[[Indie Game: The Movie]]''. By December 2013, the game had sold over one million copies across all platforms. A sequel was announced in July 2013, but was later cancelled when Phil Fish left the industry.


The game's development was initially announced by Fish on July 17, 2007. It was later announced that the game would come to the [[Xbox Live Arcade]] in early 2010, but its release was pushed back several times. The game was finally released to industry praise on April 13, 2012, for [[Xbox Live Arcade]] (with a [[Microsoft Windows]] version released on [[Steam (software)|Steam]] and [[GOG.com]] on May 1, 2013). A defective patch issued by Polytron through Microsoft for the Xbox 360 left approximately one-two percent of players without the ability to save games. The later stages of development of Fez were featured in ''[[Indie Game: The Movie]]''. The soundtrack was written and produced by ''Disasterpeace'' (Rich Vreeland).
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== Plot ==
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The plot of ''Fez'' revolves around Gomez, a two-dimensional creature who lives in a flat, 2D world. One day, Gomez encounters a strange and mysterious artifact called the [[Hexahedron]], which gives him a magical [[Fez (hat)|fez hat]] that allows him to perceive a third dimension. Just as Gomez begins to explore his new ability, the Hexahedron suddenly fractures and explodes, causing the world around him to glitch up and freeze.


By December 2013, the game had sold over one million copies across all platforms. A sequel (''Fez 2'') was announced in July 2013, but was later cancelled when Fish left the industry in late July 2013.
The game "[[Reboot (computing)|reboots]]" and Gomez wakes up to find that he can now explore his world in three dimensions. A floating [[hypercube]] explains that he must collect the fragments of the Hexahedron, which have been scattered across the world, before the world is torn apart.

⚫
== Plot ==
⚫
The plot of Fez revolves around "Gomez", a two-dimensional creature who lives in a flat, 2D world. One day, Gomez encounters a strange and mysterious artifact called the ''Hexahedron'', which gives him a magical [[Fez (hat)|fez hat]] that allows him to perceive a third dimension. Just as Gomez begins to explore his new ability, the Hexahedron suddenly fractures and explodes, causing the world around him to glitch up and freeze. The game seemingly "[[Reboot (computing)|reboots]]," and Gomez wakes up to find that he can now explore this world in three dimensions. A floating [[hypercube]] explains that he must collect the fragments of the Hexahedron, which have been scattered across the world.{{Citation needed|date=December 2013}}


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
[[File:Fez Rotation.jpg|thumb|left|A level shown before rotation, during rotation, and after rotation]]
[[File:Fez Rotation.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A level shown before rotation, during rotation, and after rotation]]


The goal of ''Fez'' is to collect 32 cubes,<ref name="GSreview">{{cite web |last=Woods |first=Eric |title=Fez Review |url=http://www.gameshampoo.com/magazine/articles/145/fez-review.html |accessdate=2012-05-02 }}</ref> which have been scattered around the world, to rebuild the Hexahedron and restore Gomez's world before it is torn apart. Cubes and cube fragments are visible and can be collected by simply touching them. Players can also collect 32 "anti-cubes"<ref name="GSreview" /> by solving various puzzles, many of which require some form of [[cryptanalysis]]. As the player collects cubes and anti-cubes, doors become unlocked and allow the player to access new areas.
The goal of Fez is to collect 32 cubes,<ref name="GSreview">{{cite web |last=Woods |first=Eric |title=Fez Review |url=http://www.gameshampoo.com/magazine/articles/145/fez-review.html |accessdate=2012-05-02 }}</ref> which have been scattered around the world, in order to rebuild the Hexahedron and restore Gomez's world before it is torn apart. Cubes and cube fragments are visible and can be collected by simply touching them. Players can also collect 32 "anti-cubes"<ref name="GSreview" /> by solving various puzzles, many of which require some form of [[cryptanalysis]]. As the player collects cubes and anti-cubes, doors become unlocked and allow the player to access new areas.{{Citation needed|date=December 2013}}


''Fez'' is presented as a 2D platform game in which Gomez can walk, jump, climb and manipulate objects. However, the player can shift perspectives at any time, rotating the world 90 degrees relative to the screen. This reveals doors and passageways and causes platforms to realign on the screen. Since depth is not a factor in the 2D gameplay, the player can (and must) take advantage of this mechanic to perform actions that would normally be impossible in a true 3D world. (For example, while standing on a floating platform, shifting the perspective 90 degrees allows Gomez to jump to another platform that had previously been on the opposite side of the screen. Rotating back to the original perspective after the jump reveals that Gomez has moved a great distance.)
Fez is presented as a 2D platform game in which Gomez can walk, jump, climb and manipulate objects. However, the player can shift perspectives at any time, rotating the world 90 degrees relative to the screen. This reveals doors and passageways and causes platforms to realign on the screen. Since depth is not a factor in the 2D gameplay, the player can (and must) take advantage of this mechanic to perform actions that would normally be impossible in a true 3D world. (For example, while standing on a floating platform, shifting the perspective 90 degrees allows Gomez to jump to another platform that had previously been on the opposite side of the screen. Rotating back to the original perspective after the jump reveals that Gomez has moved a great distance.){{Citation needed|date=December 2013}}


== Development ==
== Development ==
[[File:Fez videogame.jpg|thumb|Concept art of a ''Fez'' level]]
[[File:Fez videogame.jpg|thumb|rt|250px|Concept art of ''Fez'']]


''Fez'''s protracted development cycle was featured in the documentary film ''[[Indie Game: The Movie]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiegamethemovie.com|title=Indie Game: The Movie}}</ref> It was first announced online in July 2007, and an early version was shown at the [[Independent Games Festival]] in 2008. It received high praise and thrust its creator, Phil Fish, into the limelight as an "indie developer celebrity". However, little was heard of the game for several years as Fish's company, Polytron, lost its funding and encountered legal problems, mainly due to Fish's business partner leaving the company and threatening legal action. Fish also encountered personal and family problems, and admitted that his perfectionism contributed to the game's delay, as did his loss of perspective over the game's merits and consumer demand.
Fez's protracted development cycle was featured in the documentary film, "Indie Game: The Movie."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.indiegamethemovie.com| title=Indie Game: The Movie}}</ref> Its development was first announced by Fishh on TIGSource.com in July 2007. An early version was shown at the [[Independent Games Festival]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=354.0| title=Fez Is Coming to XBox Live Arcade Early 2010| date=2 July 2009| accessdate=7 August 2011| publisher=Polytron Corporation| last=fish| first=Phil}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://polytroncorporation.com/fez-is-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-early-2010| title=Fez| date=2 July 2009| accessdate=27 February 2012| publisher=Polytron Corporation| last=fish| first=Phil}}</ref> Polytron partnered with [[Trapdoor (company)|Trapdoor Inc]] in 2011 to co-publish ''Fez''.<ref>{{cite web | last=Fish| first=Phil| title=Trapdoor partner up with Polytron| url=http://polytroncorporation.com/trapdoor-teams-up-with-polytron| accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref>


The game was eventually released on April 13, 2012, initially for the [[Xbox Live Arcade]].<ref name="releasedate" /> Later [[OS X]] and [[Linux]] versions (released in May 2013) were developed by Ethan Lee.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://en.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1aj74m/i_am_phil_fish_cocreator_of_fez_ask_me_anything/ | title=I Am Phil Fish, Co-Creator of Fez, Ask Me Anything: Iama | publisher=En.reddit.com | date=2013-03-18 | accessdate=2013-04-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://twitter.com/flibitijibibo/status/354008490760605696 |title=Twitter / flibitijibibo: @faemir I am now working on Fez for Linux. |publisher=Twitter |date=2013-07-07 |accessdate=2013-07-08}}</ref> It received industry praise and thrust Fish into the limelight as an "indie developer celebrity."{{Citation needed|date=December 2013}} However, little was heard of the game for several years as Fish's company, Polytron, lost its funding and encountered legal problems. Fish also encountered personal and family problems; and admitted that his perfectionism contributed to the game's delay; as did his loss of perspective over the game's merits and consumer demand.{{Citation needed|date=December 2013}}
Despite looming legal hurdles and technical difficulties, Polytron demonstrated the near-final version of ''Fez'' at the [[Penny Arcade Expo]] in 2011, again to near-universal praise. Fish gave several interviews (including one with [[Jerry Holkins]] of [[Penny-Arcade]]), while his new business partner (Ken Schachter) worked out a deal with the original business partner, ending the legal battle between them.


Despite these legal hurdles and technical difficulties, Polytron demonstrated the near-final version of ''Fez'' at the [[Penny Arcade Expo]] in 2011, again to praise. Fish gave several interviews (including one with [[Jerry Holkins]] of [[Penny-Arcade]]),{{Citation needed|date=December 2013}} while his new business partner, Ken Schachter, worked out a deal with the original business partner, ending the lengthy legal battle between them.{{Citation needed|date=December 2013}} Polytron announced that ''Fez'' would be released on Xbox Live Arcade in Spring 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/722207/fez-release-date-announced/ |title=Fez Release Date Announced |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Adam |date=March 29, 2012 |work=G4tv.com |accessdate=April 18, 2012}}</ref><ref name="steam">{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/fez-coming-to-steam-may-1/ | title = Fez coming to Steam May 1 | first = JC | last = Fletcher | date = 2013-03-18 | accessdate= 2013-03-18 | publisher= Joystiq }}</ref>
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A [[game demo|demo]] of ''Fez'' was shown on 31 January 2012 at the [[International Game Developers Association]] Montreal DemoNight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.igda.org/montreal/Jan31_DemoNight|title=January 31 - DemoNight!|accessdate=5 February 2012|publisher=International Game Developers Association}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>


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A [[game demo|demo]] of Fez was shown on January 31, 2012 at the [[International Game Developers Association]] "Montreal DemoNight!"<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.igda.org/montreal/Jan31_DemoNight| title=January 31 - DemoNight!| accessdate=5 February 2012|publisher=International Game Developers Association}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>{{dead link|date=October 2013}}
Polytron later announced that ''Fez'' would be released on Xbox Live Arcade in Spring 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/722207/fez-release-date-announced/ |title=Fez Release Date Announced |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Adam |date=March 29, 2012 |work=G4tv.com |accessdate=April 18, 2012}}</ref>


=== Xbox 360 patch ===
=== Xbox 360 patch ===
After the Xbox 360 release in April 2012, Polytron released a title patch two months later that fixed several bugs in the game. Although the patch had been certified through Microsoft's testing process, some players discovered that it had corrupted their save files and forced them to start over. As a result, Polytron warned players against installing the patch if they had not already done so, and Microsoft eventually pulled the patch from its service.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/6/22/3110354/fez-patch-out-broken-corrupted-save-polytron | title = 'Fez' patch out but 'kinda broken'; Polytron warns against installing it (update) | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = 2012-06-22 | accessdate = 2012-07-19 | publisher = [[The Verge (website)|The Verge]] }}</ref>
After the Xbox 360 release in April 2012, Fish's Polytron released a title patch two months later that fixed several bugs in the game. Although the patch had been certified through Microsoft's testing process, some players discovered that it had corrupted their save files and forced them to start over. As a result, Polytron warned players against installing the patch if they had not already done so, and Microsoft eventually pulled the patch from its service.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/6/22/3110354/fez-patch-out-broken-corrupted-save-polytron | title = 'Fez' patch out but 'kinda broken'; Polytron warns against installing it (update) | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = 2012-06-22 | accessdate = 2012-07-19 | publisher = [[The Verge (website)|The Verge]] }}</ref>


In July of the same year, the patch was reinstated on Xbox Live without further modifications. In its announcement, Polytron explained that Microsoft had given them a choice of either fixing the save-state bug and having the patch re-certified, or placing the patch back on the service as-is. Polytron stated that the recertification process would have been prohibitively expensive (on the order of "tens of thousands" of dollars), and that it might have led to more problems that would be discovered later and require yet another patch. The developers estimated that less than one percent of players would be affected by the corruption bug, and Microsoft agreed that this percentage was too small to impact the original certification.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnyegriffiths/2012/07/19/fez-patch-removed-restored-but-not-updated/ |title = Console Confusion: Fez Patch Removed, Restored, But Not Updated |first = Daniels Nye |last = Griffiths |date = 2012-07-19 |accessdate = 2012-07-19 |work = [[Forbes (magazine)|Forbes]] }}</ref> Polytron and Phil Fish have received widespread criticism for this decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-07-20-fez-fish-and-the-problem-with-patching|title=Fez, Fish and The Problem with Patching |deadurl=no |accessdate=2012-07-24}}</ref> Microsoft later removed the fee for title updates in April 2013,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-26-microsoft-no-longer-charges-developers-to-patch-their-xbox-360-games | title = Microsoft no longer charges developers to patch their Xbox 360 games | first = Wesley | last= Lin-Poole | date= 2013-06-28 | accessdate = 2013-07-05 | publisher = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref> and Fish has since stated that they will bring the corrected patch back to the Xbox Live version of the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/dreams-come-true-fez-to-be-patched-on-xbox-360-257582.phtml | title = Dreams come true: FEZ to be patched on Xbox 360 | first = Jim | last = Sterling | date = 2013-07-05 | accessdate = 2013-07-05 | publisher = [[Destructoid]] }}</ref>
In July of the same year, the patch was reinstated on Xbox Live without further modifications. In its announcement, Polytron explained that Microsoft had given them a choice of either fixing the save-state bug and having the patch re-certified, or placing the patch back on the service as-is. Polytron stated that the re-certification process would have been prohibitively expensive (on the order of "tens of thousands" of dollars), and that it might have led to more problems that would be discovered later and require yet another patch. The developers estimated that less than one percent of players would be affected by the corruption bug, and Microsoft agreed that this percentage was too small to impact the original certification.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnyegriffiths/2012/07/19/fez-patch-removed-restored-but-not-updated/ |title = Console Confusion: Fez Patch Removed, Restored, But Not Updated |first = Daniels Nye |last = Griffiths |date = 2012-07-19 |accessdate = 2012-07-19 |work = [[Forbes (magazine)|Forbes]] }}</ref> Polytron and Phil Fish have received widespread criticism for this decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-07-20-fez-fish-and-the-problem-with-patching|title=Fez, Fish and The Problem with Patching |deadurl=no |accessdate=2012-07-24}}</ref> Microsoft removed the fee for title updates in April 2013,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-26-microsoft-no-longer-charges-developers-to-patch-their-xbox-360-games | title = Microsoft no longer charges developers to patch their Xbox 360 games | first = Wesley | last= Lin-Poole | date= 2013-06-28 | accessdate = 2013-07-05 | publisher = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref> and Fish stated that they would bring the corrected patch back to the Xbox Live version of the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/dreams-come-true-fez-to-be-patched-on-xbox-360-257582.phtml | title = Dreams come true: FEZ to be patched on Xbox 360 | first = Jim | last = Sterling | date = 2013-07-05 | accessdate = 2013-07-05 | publisher = [[Destructoid]] }}</ref>


=== Release on other platforms ===
=== Release on other platforms ===
Fish stated that ''Fez'' would be ported to other platforms in 2013, though did not specify which ones.<ref name="others">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/fez-will-be-ported-to-other-platforms-says-polytron-241548.phtml | title =Fez will be ported to other platforms, says Polytron |first = Jordan |last = Revore | accessdate=December 31, 2012 | date=December 31, 2012 | publisher=Destructoid }}</ref> It was released on Steam for Windows on May 1, 2013.<ref name="steam" /> Fish was talking to Sony to determine a release for the [[PlayStation 3]] or [[PlayStation Vita]] via the PlayStation Network.<ref name="macosx">{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-03-18-fez-dated-for-steam-in-early-may | title = Fez dated for Steam in early May | publisher = [[Eurogamer]] | date = 2013-03-18 | accessdate = 2013-03-18 | first = Jeffrey | last = Matulef }}</ref> Fish has confirmed that there will not be a release of the game for the [[Nintendo 3DS]].<ref name="macosx" /> Despite Fish's sudden cancellation of ''Fez 2'' and withdrawal from the gaming industry, Polytron proceeded to develop ports of ''Fez'' for OS X and Linux,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/1/4578342/fez-2-cancellation-producer-kind-of-in-shock | title = Polytron producer 'kind of in shock' at Fez 2 cancellation | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = 2013-08-01 | accessdate = 2013-08-01 | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> for release in [[Humble Bundle#Humble Indie Bundle 9|Humble Indie Bundle 9]], and announced that ''Fez'' will come to the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita platforms, with Crossbuy play between the PlayStation 3 and Vita versions.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/127046-Fez-Is-Coming-To-PlayStation | title = Fez Is Coming To PlayStation | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = 2013-08-20 | accessdate = 2013-08-21 | publisher = [[Escapist (magazine)|Escapist]] }}</ref>
Fish stated that Fez would be ported to other platforms in 2013, although he did not specify which ones.<ref name="others">{{cite web | url=http://www.destructoid.com/fez-will-be-ported-to-other-platforms-says-polytron-241548.phtml | title =Fez will be ported to other platforms, says Polytron |first = Jordan |last = Revore | accessdate=December 31, 2012 | date=December 31, 2012 | publisher=Destructoid }}</ref> It was released on Steam for Windows on May 1, 2013.<ref name="steam" /> Fish talked to Sony to determine a release for the [[PlayStation 3]] or [[PlayStation Vita]] via the PlayStation Network.<ref name="macosx">{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-03-18-fez-dated-for-steam-in-early-may | title = Fez dated for Steam in early May | publisher = [[Eurogamer]] | date = 2013-03-18 | accessdate = 2013-03-18 | first = Jeffrey | last = Matulef }}</ref> Fish confirmed that there will not be a release of the game for the [[Nintendo 3DS]].<ref name="macosx" />


Despite Fish's sudden cancellation of ''Fez 2'', and his withdrawal from the gaming industry, Polytron proceeded to develop ports of Fez for OS X and Linux,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/1/4578342/fez-2-cancellation-producer-kind-of-in-shock | title = Polytron producer 'kind of in shock' at Fez 2 cancellation | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = 2013-08-01 | accessdate = 2013-08-01 | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> for release in [[Humble Bundle#Humble Indie Bundle 9|Humble Indie Bundle 9]], and announced that Fez will come to the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita platforms, with cross-buy play between the PlayStation 3 and Vita versions.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/127046-Fez-Is-Coming-To-PlayStation | title = Fez Is Coming To PlayStation | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = 2013-08-20 | accessdate = 2013-08-21 | publisher = [[Escapist (magazine)|Escapist]] }}</ref>
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=== Cancelled sequel ===
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Fish revealed that the sequel, ''Fez 2'', was in development at the Horizon Indie summit, held during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2013]] in June 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/13/4427198/fez-2-announced | title = Fez 2 in development at Polytron | first = Griffin | last = McElroy | date = 2013-06-13 | accessdate = 2013-06-13 | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> At the time, Fish confirmed that the game would be coming to Microsoft Windows, but stated that it would not be released for the Xbox consoles, referring to his past experience with ''Fez'' on the 360 and statements by Microsoft regarding indie titles for the Xbox One. Though Fish did not confirm a [[PlayStation 4]] release, he spoke in praise of Sony's commitment to indie developers.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/article/79841/fez-2-not-coming-to-xbox-because-microsoft-wont-let | title = Fez 2 not coming to Xbox because 'Microsoft won't let' it | first = Andrew | last= Yoon | date = 2013-06-20 | accessdate = 2013-06-20 | publisher = [[Shacknews]] }}</ref>

⚫
On July 27, 2013, Fish suddenly announced that ''Fez 2'' had been cancelled and that "he [was] done".<ref name="fez-2-cancel" /> It was initially believed by gaming journalists that the cancellation followed a heated argument Fish had with Marcus Beer of [[GameTrailers]]' ''Annoyed Gamer'' segment, who had made various comments about certain indie developers like Fish and [[Jonathan Blow]] on an episode of the ''Invisible Walls ''podcast.<ref name="fez-2-cancel" /> Fish made it clear that Beer's comments were not the sole reason for the cancellation, rather that ''Fez 2 ''was cancelled to "get out of games", stating that "I f***ing hate this industry" due to the harsh criticism and negativity that prevails in it.<ref name="fez-2-cancel">{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/27/4563350/fez-2-canceled-phil-fish-confirms | title = Fez 2 canceled, Phil Fish confirms (updated) | first = Megan | last = Farokhmanesh | date = 2013-07-27 | accessdate = 2013-07-29 | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>


== Music ==
== Music ==
The soundtrack in Fez was written and produced by Rich Vreeland (also known as ''Disasterpeace'').<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.richvreeland.com/about/ | title=Music and Sound for Hire | accessdate=29 July 2013}}</ref> It was released on April 20, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://disasterpeace.com/album/fez|title=Fez - By Disasterpeace |accessdate=18 June 2012}}</ref> Three tracks, Adventure, Forgotten and Home, were made available for free on [[Bandcamp]] to celebrate the game's release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://polytroncorporation.com/fez-original-sound-track-2 |title=Retrieved 2013-01-15 |publisher=Polytroncorporation.com |date=2012-04-10 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
The soundtrack in Fez was written and produced by Rich Vreeland (also known as ''Disasterpeace'').<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.richvreeland.com/about/ | title=Music and Sound for Hire | accessdate=29 July 2013}}</ref> It was released on April 20, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://disasterpeace.com/album/fez|title=Fez - By Disasterpeace |accessdate=18 June 2012}}</ref> Three tracks, Adventure, Forgotten and Home, were made available for free on [[Bandcamp]] to celebrate the game's release.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://polytroncorporation.com/fez-original-sound-track-2 |title=Retrieved 2013-01-15 |publisher=Polytroncorporation.com |date=2012-04-10 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| collapsed = no
| collapsed = no
Line 110: Line 107:
| title22 = Majesty
| title22 = Majesty
| length22 = 3:22
| length22 = 3:22
| title23 = Continuum
| title23 = Continuum (an arrangement of [[Prelude, Op. 28, No. 4 (Chopin)|Chopin's Prelude Op. 28, No. 4]])
(an arrangement of [[Prelude, Op. 28, No. 4 (Chopin)|Chopin's Prelude Op. 28, No. 4]])
| length23 = 2:35
| length23 = 2:35
| title24 = Home
| title24 = Home
Line 124: Line 120:
{{VG Reviews
{{VG Reviews
|title = ''Fez''
|title = ''Fez''
|MC = 89/100 (X360)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/fez|title=MetaCritic}}</ref><br />91/100 (PC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/fez|title=MetaCritic}}</ref>
|MC = 89/100 (X360)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/fez| title=MetaCritic}}</ref><br />91/100 (PC)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/fez| title=MetaCritic}}</ref>
|Edge = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/fez-review|title=EDGE Review}}</ref>
|Edge = 9/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/fez-review| title=EDGE Review}}</ref>
|G4 = 4/5<ref name="G4">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/50449/fez/review/|title=Fez Review for Xbox 360|publisher=[[G4 (TV channel)|G4]]|first=Jason|last=Wishnov|date=2012-04-12|accessdate=2012-04-12}}</ref>
|G4 = 4/5<ref name="G4">{{cite web | url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/50449/fez/review/| title=Fez Review for Xbox 360| publisher=[[G4 (TV channel)|G4]]| first=Jason| last=Wishnov| date=2012-04-12| accessdate=2012-04-12}}</ref>
|GI = 9.25/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/fez/b/xbox360/archive/2012/04/11/change-your-perspective.aspx|title=GI Review}}</ref>
|GI = 9.25/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/fez/b/xbox360/archive/2012/04/11/change-your-perspective.aspx| title=GI Review}}</ref>
|GSpot=8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/fez/reviews/fez-review-6371714/|title=GameSpot Review}}</ref>
|GSpot=8/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/fez/reviews/fez-review-6371714/| title=GameSpot Review}}</ref>
|GT=9.0/10<ref name="gt">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-fez/729189 |title=Fez - Review HD |date=13 April 2012 |work=GameTrailers.com |accessdate=3 May 2012}}</ref>
|GT=9.0/10<ref name="gt">{{cite web | url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-fez/729189 |title=Fez - Review HD |date=13 April 2012 |work=GameTrailers.com |accessdate=3 May 2012}}</ref>
|IGN = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/122/1222726p1.html|title=IGN Review|accessdate=13 April 2012}}</ref>
|IGN = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/122/1222726p1.html| title=IGN Review| accessdate=13 April 2012}}</ref>
|EuroG=10/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-04-12-fez-review|title=Eurogamer Review}}</ref>
|EuroG=10/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-04-12-fez-review| title=Eurogamer Review}}</ref>
| rev1 = [[Giant Bomb]]
| rev1 = [[Giant Bomb]]
| rev1Score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.giantbomb.com/fez/61-24768/reviews/ | title = Fez Review | first = Jeff | last = Gerstmann | date = April 16, 2012 | accessdate = April 16, 2012 | publisher = [[Giant Bomb]] }}</ref>
| rev1Score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.giantbomb.com/fez/61-24768/reviews/ | title = Fez Review | first = Jeff | last = Gerstmann | date = April 16, 2012 | accessdate = April 16, 2012 | publisher = [[Giant Bomb]] }}</ref>
}}
}}


Upon release, ''Fez'' received widespread praise, with IGN giving the game 9.5/10.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/019/019159.html|title=IGN Review|accessdate=13 April 2012}}</ref> [[Metacritic]] gives the game an average score of 89% based on reviews from 66 critics, indicating "Generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/fez/critic-reviews |title= Metacritic summary for Fez | work = [[Metacritic]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate= 1 Dec 2013}}</ref>
Upon release Fez received widespread praise, with IGN giving the game 9.5/10.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/019/019159.html| title=IGN Review| accessdate=13 April 2012}}</ref> [[Metacritic]] gives the game an average score of 89% based on reviews from 66 critics, indicating "Generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/fez/critic-reviews |title= Metacritic summary for Fez | work = [[Metacritic]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate= 1 Dec 2013}}</ref>


{{as of|2013|April}}, ''Fez'' has sold more than 200,000 copies on Xbox Live Arcade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-15-fez-sells-200-000-copies-in-a-year-on-xbox-live-arcade|title=Fez sells 200,000 copies in a year on Xbox Live Arcade|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=15 April 2013|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|accessdate=15 April 2013}}</ref> By December 2013, the game sold more than 1 million copies across all released platforms.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-12-09-fez-sells-over-a-million-units | title = Fez sells over a million units | first = Mike | last = Williams | date = 2013-12-09 | accessdate = 2013-12-09 | publisher = [[GameIndustry.biz]] }}</ref>
{{as of|2013|April}}, Fez had sold more than 200,000 copies on Xbox Live Arcade.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-15-fez-sells-200-000-copies-in-a-year-on-xbox-live-arcade| title=Fez sells 200,000 copies in a year on Xbox Live Arcade| last=Phillips| first=Tom| date=15 April 2013| work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network| accessdate=15 April 2013}}</ref> By December 2013, the game had sold more than one million copies across all released platforms.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-12-09-fez-sells-over-a-million-units | title = Fez sells over a million units | first = Mike | last = Williams | date = 2013-12-09 | accessdate = 2013-12-09 | publisher = [[GameIndustry.biz]] }}</ref>


=== Awards ===
=== Awards ===
''Fez'' won the "Excellence in Visual Art" award at the [[Independent Games Festival]] in 2008, where it was also nominated for the "Design Innovation" award.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.igf.com/2008finalistswinners.html|title=The 12th Annual Independent Games Festival - 2008 Finalists & Winners|accessdate=7 August 2011|publisher=Independent Games Festival}}</ref> It appeared at [[Penny Arcade Expo#PAX Prime 2011|PAX Prime 2011]] as one of the PAX 10,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prime.paxsite.com/pax10.php|title=The PAX 10|accessdate=7 August 2011|publisher=PAX}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> and won two awards, Story/World Design and Grand Jury, at [[IndieCade]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiegamereviewer.com/the-official-indiecade-2011-award-winners-in-all-categories/ |title=The Official IndieCade 2011 Award Winners in All Categories |date=October 9, 2011 |accessdate=2013-03-06 |work=indiegamereviewer.com}}</ref>
Fez won the "Excellence in Visual Art" award at the [[Independent Games Festival]] in 2008, where it was also nominated for the "Design Innovation" award.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.igf.com/2008finalistswinners.html| title=The 12th Annual Independent Games Festival - 2008 Finalists & Winners| accessdate=7 August 2011| publisher=Independent Games Festival}}</ref> It appeared at [[Penny Arcade Expo#PAX Prime 2011| PAX Prime 2011]] as one of the PAX 10,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://prime.paxsite.com/pax10.php| title=The PAX 10| accessdate=7 August 2011| publisher=PAX}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref>{{dead link|date=October 2013}} and won two awards, Story/World Design and Grand Jury, at [[IndieCade]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://indiegamereviewer.com/the-official-indiecade-2011-award-winners-in-all-categories/ |title=The Official IndieCade 2011 Award Winners in All Categories |date=October 9, 2011 |accessdate=2013-03-06 |work=indiegamereviewer.com}}</ref> It won the "Seamus McNally Grand Prize" at the Independent Games Festival in 2012.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.igf.com/02finalists.html|title=The 14th Annual Independent Games Festival Laureates|accessdate=13 June 2012|publisher=Independent Games Festival}}</ref>
It also won the "Seamus McNally Grand Prize" at the [[Independent Games Festival]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.igf.com/02finalists.html|title=The 14th Annual Independent Games Festival Laureates|accessdate=13 June 2012|publisher=Independent Games Festival}}</ref>


In December 2012, Fez was declared [[Eurogamer]]'s Game of the Year.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-12-30-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2012|title=Eurogamer's Game of the Year 2012 |accessdate=30 December 2012|publisher=Eurogamer}}</ref>
In December 2012, Fez was declared [[Eurogamer]]'s Game of the Year.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-12-30-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2012| title=Eurogamer's Game of the Year 2012 |accessdate=30 December 2012| publisher=Eurogamer}}</ref>
{{clear|right}}
{{clear|right}}

== Planned sequel ==
⚫
Fish revealed that a sequel, Fez 2, was in development at the Horizon Indie summit, held during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2013]] in June 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/13/4427198/fez-2-announced | title = Fez 2 in development at Polytron | first = Griffin | last = McElroy | date = 2013-06-13 | accessdate = 2013-06-13 | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> At the time, Fish confirmed that the game would be coming to Microsoft Windows, but stated that it would not be released for the Xbox consoles, referring to his past experience with Fez on the 360 and statements by Microsoft regarding indie titles for the Xbox One. Though Fish did not confirm a [[PlayStation 4]] release, he spoke in praise of Sony's commitment to indie developers.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/article/79841/fez-2-not-coming-to-xbox-because-microsoft-wont-let | title = Fez 2 not coming to Xbox because 'Microsoft won't let' it | first = Andrew | last= Yoon | date = 2013-06-20 | accessdate = 2013-06-20 | publisher = [[Shacknews]] }}</ref>

⚫
===Cancelled===
⚫
On July 27, 2013, Fish announced that Fez 2 had been cancelled and that "he [was] done".<ref name="fez-2-cancel" /> It was initially believed by gaming journalists that the cancellation followed a heated argument Fish had with Marcus Beer of [[GameTrailers]]' ''Annoyed Gamer'' segment, who had made various comments about certain indie developers like Fish and [[Jonathan Blow]] on an episode of the ''Invisible Walls ''podcast.<ref name="fez-2-cancel" /> Fish made it clear that Beer's comments were not the sole reason for the cancellation, rather that Fez 2 was cancelled to "get out of games", stating that "I f***ing hate this industry" due to the harsh criticism and negativity that prevails in it.<ref name="fez-2-cancel">{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/27/4563350/fez-2-canceled-phil-fish-confirms | title = Fez 2 canceled, Phil Fish Confirms (updated) | first = Megan | last = Farokhmanesh | date = 2013-07-27 | accessdate = 2013-07-29 | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 155: Line 156:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://fezgame.com/}}
* [http://fezgame.com/ ''Fez'' official website]
* [http://marketplace.xbox.com/Product/Fez/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802584109c0 ''Fez''] at [http://www.xbox.com/ Xbox.com]
* [http://disasterpeace.com/album/fez Official Fez soundtrack]
* [http://disasterpeace.com/album/fez Official Fez soundtrack]
* {{Official website|http://polytroncorporation.com}}
* {{MusicBrainz release group|id=7a97a60d-1f30-45a5-807b-9d16375cac4d|name=FEZ}}
* {{MusicBrainz release group|id=7a97a60d-1f30-45a5-807b-9d16375cac4d|name=FEZ}}


Revision as of 22:02, 20 December 2013

Fez
File:Fez cover.png
Fez cover art by Bryan Lee O'Malley.
Developer(s)Polytron
Blitworks (PS3, PS4, PS Vita)
Publisher(s)
Designer(s)Phil Fish
Programmer(s)Renaud Bédard
Composer(s)Rich Vreeland (Disasterpeace)
EngineTrixel
Platform(s)Xbox 360 (Xbox Live Arcade), Microsoft Windows, Linux, OS X (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
ReleaseXbox 360'Microsoft Windows'Linux'OS X'PlayStation Network
Genre(s)Puzzle/Platformer
Mode(s)Single-player

Fez is an award winning puzzle/platform game developed by independent software developer, Polytron Corporation (founded in 2008 by developer, Phil Fish). The plot of the game involves guiding the game's protagonist, Gomez, in finding 2D solutions in a 3D space.

The game's development was initially announced by Fish on July 17, 2007. It was later announced that the game would come to the Xbox Live Arcade in early 2010, but its release was pushed back several times. The game was finally released to industry praise on April 13, 2012, for Xbox Live Arcade (with a Microsoft Windows version released on Steam and GOG.com on May 1, 2013). A defective patch issued by Polytron through Microsoft for the Xbox 360 left approximately one-two percent of players without the ability to save games. The later stages of development of Fez were featured in Indie Game: The Movie. The soundtrack was written and produced by Disasterpeace (Rich Vreeland).

By December 2013, the game had sold over one million copies across all platforms. A sequel (Fez 2) was announced in July 2013, but was later cancelled when Fish left the industry in late July 2013.

Plot

The plot of Fez revolves around "Gomez", a two-dimensional creature who lives in a flat, 2D world. One day, Gomez encounters a strange and mysterious artifact called the Hexahedron, which gives him a magical fez hat that allows him to perceive a third dimension. Just as Gomez begins to explore his new ability, the Hexahedron suddenly fractures and explodes, causing the world around him to glitch up and freeze. The game seemingly "reboots," and Gomez wakes up to find that he can now explore this world in three dimensions. A floating hypercube explains that he must collect the fragments of the Hexahedron, which have been scattered across the world.[citation needed]

Gameplay

File:Fez Rotation.jpg
A level shown before rotation, during rotation, and after rotation

The goal of Fez is to collect 32 cubes,[3] which have been scattered around the world, in order to rebuild the Hexahedron and restore Gomez's world before it is torn apart. Cubes and cube fragments are visible and can be collected by simply touching them. Players can also collect 32 "anti-cubes"[3] by solving various puzzles, many of which require some form of cryptanalysis. As the player collects cubes and anti-cubes, doors become unlocked and allow the player to access new areas.[citation needed]

Fez is presented as a 2D platform game in which Gomez can walk, jump, climb and manipulate objects. However, the player can shift perspectives at any time, rotating the world 90 degrees relative to the screen. This reveals doors and passageways and causes platforms to realign on the screen. Since depth is not a factor in the 2D gameplay, the player can (and must) take advantage of this mechanic to perform actions that would normally be impossible in a true 3D world. (For example, while standing on a floating platform, shifting the perspective 90 degrees allows Gomez to jump to another platform that had previously been on the opposite side of the screen. Rotating back to the original perspective after the jump reveals that Gomez has moved a great distance.)[citation needed]

Development

File:Fez videogame.jpg
Concept art of Fez

Fez's protracted development cycle was featured in the documentary film, "Indie Game: The Movie."[4] Its development was first announced by Fishh on TIGSource.com in July 2007. An early version was shown at the Independent Games Festival in 2008.[5][6] Polytron partnered with Trapdoor Inc in 2011 to co-publish Fez.[7]

The game was eventually released on April 13, 2012, initially for the Xbox Live Arcade.[1] Later OS X and Linux versions (released in May 2013) were developed by Ethan Lee.[8][9] It received industry praise and thrust Fish into the limelight as an "indie developer celebrity."[citation needed] However, little was heard of the game for several years as Fish's company, Polytron, lost its funding and encountered legal problems. Fish also encountered personal and family problems; and admitted that his perfectionism contributed to the game's delay; as did his loss of perspective over the game's merits and consumer demand.[citation needed]

Despite these legal hurdles and technical difficulties, Polytron demonstrated the near-final version of Fez at the Penny Arcade Expo in 2011, again to praise. Fish gave several interviews (including one with Jerry Holkins of Penny-Arcade),[citation needed] while his new business partner, Ken Schachter, worked out a deal with the original business partner, ending the lengthy legal battle between them.[citation needed] Polytron announced that Fez would be released on Xbox Live Arcade in Spring 2012.[10][11]

A demo of Fez was shown on January 31, 2012 at the International Game Developers Association "Montreal DemoNight!"[12][dead link]

Xbox 360 patch

After the Xbox 360 release in April 2012, Fish's Polytron released a title patch two months later that fixed several bugs in the game. Although the patch had been certified through Microsoft's testing process, some players discovered that it had corrupted their save files and forced them to start over. As a result, Polytron warned players against installing the patch if they had not already done so, and Microsoft eventually pulled the patch from its service.[13]

In July of the same year, the patch was reinstated on Xbox Live without further modifications. In its announcement, Polytron explained that Microsoft had given them a choice of either fixing the save-state bug and having the patch re-certified, or placing the patch back on the service as-is. Polytron stated that the re-certification process would have been prohibitively expensive (on the order of "tens of thousands" of dollars), and that it might have led to more problems that would be discovered later and require yet another patch. The developers estimated that less than one percent of players would be affected by the corruption bug, and Microsoft agreed that this percentage was too small to impact the original certification.[14] Polytron and Phil Fish have received widespread criticism for this decision.[15] Microsoft removed the fee for title updates in April 2013,[16] and Fish stated that they would bring the corrected patch back to the Xbox Live version of the game.[17]

Release on other platforms

Fish stated that Fez would be ported to other platforms in 2013, although he did not specify which ones.[18] It was released on Steam for Windows on May 1, 2013.[11] Fish talked to Sony to determine a release for the PlayStation 3 or PlayStation Vita via the PlayStation Network.[19] Fish confirmed that there will not be a release of the game for the Nintendo 3DS.[19]

Despite Fish's sudden cancellation of Fez 2, and his withdrawal from the gaming industry, Polytron proceeded to develop ports of Fez for OS X and Linux,[20] for release in Humble Indie Bundle 9, and announced that Fez will come to the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita platforms, with cross-buy play between the PlayStation 3 and Vita versions.[21]

Music

The soundtrack in Fez was written and produced by Rich Vreeland (also known as Disasterpeace).[22] It was released on April 20, 2012.[23] Three tracks, Adventure, Forgotten and Home, were made available for free on Bandcamp to celebrate the game's release.[24]

Fez Soundtrack track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Adventure"3:18
2."Puzzle"2:14
3."Beyond"3:05
4."Progress"4:16
5."Beacon"2:33
6."Flow"3:47
7."Formations"2:20
8."Legend"1:18
9."Compass"2:43
10."Forgotten"2:34
11."Sync"2:19
12."Glitch"3:25
13."Fear"3:32
14."Spirit"2:52
15."Nature"4:12
16."Knowledge"1:49
17."Death"3:32
18."Memory"1:16
19."Pressure"4:00
20."Nocturne"2:13
21."Age"2:58
22."Majesty"3:22
23."Continuum (an arrangement of Chopin's Prelude Op. 28, No. 4)"2:35
24."Home"1:35
25."Reflection"9:02
26."Love"1:10

Reception

Upon release Fez received widespread praise, with IGN giving the game 9.5/10.[35] Metacritic gives the game an average score of 89% based on reviews from 66 critics, indicating "Generally favorable reviews".[36]

As of April 2013, Fez had sold more than 200,000 copies on Xbox Live Arcade.[37] By December 2013, the game had sold more than one million copies across all released platforms.[38]

Awards

Fez won the "Excellence in Visual Art" award at the Independent Games Festival in 2008, where it was also nominated for the "Design Innovation" award.[39] It appeared at PAX Prime 2011 as one of the PAX 10,[40][dead link] and won two awards, Story/World Design and Grand Jury, at IndieCade in 2011.[41] It won the "Seamus McNally Grand Prize" at the Independent Games Festival in 2012.[42]

In December 2012, Fez was declared Eurogamer's Game of the Year.[43]

Planned sequel

Fish revealed that a sequel, Fez 2, was in development at the Horizon Indie summit, held during the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2013 in June 2013.[44] At the time, Fish confirmed that the game would be coming to Microsoft Windows, but stated that it would not be released for the Xbox consoles, referring to his past experience with Fez on the 360 and statements by Microsoft regarding indie titles for the Xbox One. Though Fish did not confirm a PlayStation 4 release, he spoke in praise of Sony's commitment to indie developers.[45]

Cancelled

On July 27, 2013, Fish announced that Fez 2 had been cancelled and that "he [was] done".[46] It was initially believed by gaming journalists that the cancellation followed a heated argument Fish had with Marcus Beer of GameTrailers' Annoyed Gamer segment, who had made various comments about certain indie developers like Fish and Jonathan Blow on an episode of the Invisible Walls podcast.[46] Fish made it clear that Beer's comments were not the sole reason for the cancellation, rather that Fez 2 was cancelled to "get out of games", stating that "I f***ing hate this industry" due to the harsh criticism and negativity that prevails in it.[46]

See also

  • Super Paper Mario - a game released around the same time that Fez began development that also features 2D/3D perspective changing
  • Flatland - a book about 2D beings struggling to comprehend a 3D world

References

  1. ^ a b "Fez Friday the 13th". Polytron Corporation. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
  2. ^ "Fez Coming to PS Everything". Polytron Corporation. August 20, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2013.
  3. ^ a b Woods, Eric. "Fez Review". Retrieved 2012-05-02.
  4. ^ "Indie Game: The Movie".
  5. ^ fish, Phil (2 July 2009). "Fez Is Coming to XBox Live Arcade Early 2010". Polytron Corporation. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
  6. ^ fish, Phil (2 July 2009). "Fez". Polytron Corporation. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  7. ^ Fish, Phil. "Trapdoor partner up with Polytron". Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  8. ^ "I Am Phil Fish, Co-Creator of Fez, Ask Me Anything: Iama". En.reddit.com. 2013-03-18. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  9. ^ "Twitter / flibitijibibo: @faemir I am now working on Fez for Linux". Twitter. 2013-07-07. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
  10. ^ Rosenberg, Adam (March 29, 2012). "Fez Release Date Announced". G4tv.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  11. ^ a b Fletcher, JC (2013-03-18). "Fez coming to Steam May 1". Joystiq. Retrieved 2013-03-18.
  12. ^ "January 31 - DemoNight!". International Game Developers Association. Retrieved 5 February 2012.[dead link]
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